The measure specifically targets gold trading via mobile applications, which authorities believe is directly impacting the baht's exchange rate. The move is aimed at minimising the impact of skyrocketing gold prices on the baht which has gained 0.9% year to date as Asia's best performing currency. "Tightening oversight of online gold trading could somehow help soften the effect of jumping global gold prices on the baht's volatility but it could not slow the baht's strength," Ms Kanjana told the Bangkok Post. Siriluck Pakotiprapha, vice-president of the research department at gold trader Hua Seng Heng Futures Co, shared a similar view, noting that most Thai investors still prefer to use baht in gold trading. Locally, it projects gold bars to trade near 70,000 baht per baht weight, as prices soared 600 baht to 69,050 baht on Monday.

Source: Bangkok Post January 19, 2026 23:29 UTC